World Defense Show Day 2: Highlights From Times Aerospace
Col Andy ‘Cuffs’ Ladd is a firm believer in the vital importance of building partnerships with regional allies.
As part of our coverage live from World Defense Show in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re bringing you the biggest news from our sister publication Show Business, the event’s Official Show Daily Partner, published by Times Aerospace.
How U.S. Sees Its Presence Will Make Relationships Stronger
Flying displays and an active presence at a show like WDS is a key part of opening partnerships and developing trust between nations, a major player at the event said.
Col Andy Ladd, A5 director for Strategy and Theater Security Cooperation, is acting as ‘air boss’ for the US Air Force participation at WDS, responsible for the flight demonstrations and static displays.
He explained that coming together in a forum such as WDS, with senior leaders from allied nations, makes relationships stronger and will help allies “to come together in times of strife and turmoil to defeat common enemies and threats in the region.”
Saudia Technic Teams Up With Embraer Services And Support
Saudia Technic and Embraer Services and Support signed an MoU at the show to collaborate in maintenance and training.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in commercial aviation, with a focus on the E2 jets family and executive aviation maintenance.
Loaded Akinci Shows Off Potential
Six months after the announcement, in July last year, that Saudi Arabia was set to acquire the Baykar Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), one of the prototypes is on display at WDS.
Korean Pursue Saudi Interest In joint KF-21 Programme
A South Korean delegation made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia on 23-26 January, meeting with Dr Khalid bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Saudi Arabia’s deputy defence minister, and other officials. The two sides reportedly discussed the joint development of an advanced fighter based on the design of the KF-21.
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